Cool things to do on a Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Overnight Cruising
While it is possible to travel to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi and return in one day, why would you? Staying overnight allows you to experience the magic of Ha Long Bay as well as Lan Ha Bay at a more relaxed pace. You’ll see and do more. You’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this UNESCO protected area. And you’ll be able to continue your exploration of Vietnam refreshed and reinvigorated. There are many kind of cruise for every budget, catering to all kinds of tastes, but the common denominator is time.
Discover Hidden Treasures
The island caves, caverns and grottoes of Ha Long Bay‘s islands and islets are treasures waiting to be explored. You can choose a guided tour or traverse the cave systems on your own. Descend into the subterranean coolness and discover a magical world formed by limestone and water. Colored lights bathe key features and shapes in a wash of red and green and blue. Spot interesting animal and human formations in the stalactites and stalagmites. Listen to the legends of love and betrayal that have been woven into Ha Long Bay cave mythology. You can even rub a fertility rock, but consider yourself warned…. this rock is potent!
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Vietnam is famous for its food: fresh, healthy and full of flavour, and a Ha Long Bay cruise will delight gastronomists of every persuasion. Grilled, steamed or stir-fried, indulge yourself in succulent fish and shellfish, garden fresh fruit and vegetables, moist and tender beef, chicken and pork, and an endless variety of tasty rice and noodle dishes, not to mention cakes and pastries. And with both imported and domestic wine so plentiful, passengers can salute the wonderful tastes of Vietnam with new friends and old.
Indulge Yourself
Cruising in Ha Long Bay is all about taking time out and recharging your batteries in a beautiful environment. So why not take advantage of the service offerings of your cruise, and pamper yourself? Think relaxing massages, using fragrant, medicinal oils designed to soothe away any aches and pains you may have. Think natural scrubs and exfoliators and deep moisturizing treatments that make your skin glow with health. And if the weather permits, you could always catch some rays on the sundeck. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Continuous Learning
If you fancy learning something new, a Ha Long Bay cruise trip is the perfect opportunity to engage the brain. You could uncover the secrets of Vietnamese cooking, from dipping sauces to spring rolls to salads and soups. Always wanted to try Tai Chi Class but have never gotten around to it? Why not try an early morning class and start your day relaxed and refreshed? What about a class on Vietnamese history? Art appreciation? There is no better time to engage with Vietnamese culture than when you are cruising Ha Long Bay.
Up and Close and Personal
As well as the karst landscapes that it’s famous for, Ha Long Bay is also home to indigenous people going about their daily lives. As part of your cruise experience, make sure you visit floating fishing villages, where you will find friendly locals happy to share their culture and way of life with you. You can also indulge in a range aqua activities including fishing, diving and swimming. Who wouldn’t want to get up close and personal with the emerald sea of Ha Long Bay?
Sunrise, Sunset
Ha Long Bay is at its stunning best at the end of the day… and the beginning. Set your alarm for an early rise, grab your Vietnamese style coffee and watch the Sun peek shyly over the islands and islets to welcome the day. Breathe in the fresh, cool morning air and listen to the sound of the ocean. And as the Sun sets pink on the horizon, rays kissing the karsts, reflect on the magnificence of nature while sipping a flute of chilled champagne. This is how memories are made.
